This 1968 Fender Telecaster in original Blonde finish wears its history proudly, with a clear indication of decades of steady use and performance. Built in a transitional year for CBS Fenders, it features the "Maple cap" neck that delivers a unique sound and response that made these models so desirable.

This guitar was previously owned by guitarist and pedal steel player extraordinaire Rich Gilbert (Frank Black, Tanya Donelly, Uncle Tupelo). During his tenure with the guitar, it was refretted, pots were changed, and the bridge was replaced. The neck pickup was also rewound by Lindy Fralin some time ago, and the pickguard was also replaced. Undoubtedly an example of a working musician's guitar, its component replacement is an indicator of just how often this guitar was played.

We took the opportunity to restore more of a period look to the guitar by outfitting it with a custom-ordered Spitfire pickguard (one of the best examples of their work we've ever seen, honestly) and a vintage-correct Patent Number telecaster bridge with original post-1967 saddles. The original control plate and knobs remain along with the original tuners.